Cat Breed Guide: Scottish Fold

Reviewed by Dr. Fiona Lee

Scottish Folds top the list of fanciful feline breeds. Their folded ears, round heads and oversized round eyes give the breed a distinctive appearance, and their intelligent, curious and social personalities make them popular pets.¹

As their name suggests, the Scottish Fold, also known as the Scottish Fold Munchkin cat, originated in Scotland, but the folded ear cat breed has gained popularity—even superstar Taylor Swift is a fan of the breed; she has two Scottish Fold cats.²

History and origin of Scottish Fold cats

In 1961, a Scottish shepherd named William Ross learned that a white, longhaired barn cat named Susie was pregnant with kittens. Susie caught his attention because she had unique folded ears. Ross asked the farmer for one of the offspring with the same folded ears and began developing the distinctive breed that is now known as the Scottish Fold.²

Early breed development

The kitten was bred multiple times with other breeds—including Persians, American Shorthairs and Exotic Shorthairs—to refine the appearance of the offspring.¹ Over the first three years, the breeding program produced 42 cats with folded ears (and 34 cats with straight ears, who also carried the mutated gene that led to the ear appearance).²

Scottish Fold vs. British Shorthair

Scottish Fold cats are similar in appearance to British Shorthair cats, but there are some distinct differences between the breeds. The biggest difference is their ears: Scottish Fold cats have unique folded ears, while British Shorthair cats have standard ears. Scottish Fold cats are also smaller and can be either longhaired or shorthaired, while all British Shorthair cats have short coats.²

Physical characteristics of the Scottish Fold cat

The Scottish Fold is a medium-sized cat that measures between 10 and 12 inches long (excluding their tail), stands 8.5 to 10 inches tall and weighs between 6 and 13 pounds, on average.²

Distinctive features

Scottish Fold cats have several distinctive features:

• Rounded heads
• Short necks
• Prominent cheeks
• Large, wide, round eyes
• Broad nose
• Ears that are folded forward and downward (straight, small-to-medium-sized ears with rounded tips are also permitted under the breed standard)
• Medium to long tails with tapered or rounded tips

Coat types and colors

Scottish Fold cats can be shorthaired or longhaired. Shorthaired Scottish Fold cats have dense, plush, short to medium-length hair that has a soft texture, while longhaired Scottish Fold cats have medium to long hair that is fuller on their britches, tails, toes and ears. Longhaired cats should also have a visible “ruff" that looks like a mane around their necks.³

When it comes to coat colors, there are no limits. Scottish Folds come in multiple coat colors and patterns, from white, cream, chocolate and black to patterns known as chinchilla silver, shell cameo, cinnamon shaded and blue smoke.³

Life expectancy

Scottish Fold cats have a life expectancy of 11 to 15 years.⁴ The breed is prone to numerous genetic health issues that can affect their quality of life, which has led to Scottish Fold cats being banned in some countries.⁵

Personality and temperament of the Scottish Fold cat

Unlike breeds best described as aloof and independent, the Scottish Fold is known for being affectionate and inquisitive.¹ It's a social breed that will follow people from room to room in search of attention. Scottish Fold cats thrive on interaction and will become bored or destructive if left alone too long.²

Scottish Folds are good-natured and adaptable. The breed has a sweet temperament, soft voice and social nature that makes them ideal lap cats.⁵

Scottish Folds are known for sitting up on their back legs. The position, known as the Buddha sit, is similar to a prairie dog that sits at attention to take in their surroundings.¹

With proper introductions, Scottish Fold cats get along well with children and other pets, making them a popular breed for families.² In fact, their playful nature means that Scottish Fold cats prefer spending time with people and pets over being alone.⁵

Caring for a Scottish Fold cat

Caring for a Scottish Fold cat is similar to caring for other breeds: Cats are obligate carnivores who depend on foods that provide protein from animal products.⁶

Commercial cat foods, including kibble and canned foods, were formulated to provide the right balance of calories and nutrients for all cat breeds to thrive. Look for cat foods that have the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) label, which guarantees that manufacturers meet these standards.⁶

Scottish Folds are prone to becoming overweight, so measure their portions and monitor their calories.⁵

The amount of grooming a Scottish Fold needs depends on their coat. Those with short hair require a quick brushing as little as once per week, while those with long hair require a more dedicated grooming routine that includes brushing at least three times per week to prevent painful mats from forming in their coat.⁵

Regular vet checkups and vaccinations

All cats need routine vet care, which includes biannual exams, vaccinations and other preventive care, as well as treatment for illnesses and injuries. Your vet can also provide advice and care to ensure that Scottish Fold cats live long, healthy lives.⁷

Health considerations

Along with the genetic mutation that causes the Scottish Fold to have its hallmark folded ears, the breed is prone to a genetic issue that impacts the development of cartilage. Known as osteochondrodysplasia, it's associated with severe, painful arthritis. All Scottish Fold cats have variable degrees of the condition, which causes a degenerative joint disease that can lead to fusing of the joints in the tail, knees and ankles. Scottish Fold cats with osteochondrodysplasia often have short, misshapen limbs, walk with an abnormal gait and experience lameness.⁸

Scottish Fold cats are also prone to polycystic kidney disease. The inherited condition causes cysts to form on the kidneys, which affects kidney function and can lead to kidney failure.⁴

Genetic health issues led to a ban on breeding Scottish Fold cats in Britain—the national breed association, the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy, no longer accepts the breed. In the United States, breeders have worked to weed out the gene that causes osteochondrodysplasia, and the Scottish Fold is regarded as a healthy breed.⁵

Living with a Scottish Fold cat

Scottish Fold cats need the same creature comforts essential for all cat breeds:⁹

• Nutritious foods
• Fresh water
• Litter box
• Soft bed
• Climbing tower
• Scratching post
• Hiding place
• Toys

Tips for socializing your Scottish Fold cat

Since Scottish Fold cats are social creatures, socialization should be a breeze. It's best to begin socializing Scottish Fold cats as kittens. Introducing them to people, pets, sights, sounds and activities in their environment between the ages of 3 and 9 weeks old will provide the foundation for them to grow into well-adjusted, social adult cats.¹⁰

It's important to offer praise, pets and treats to reward engagement, and to keep rewarding Scottish Fold cats for social behaviors throughout their lives.¹⁰

Choosing a Scottish Fold cat

It's essential to find a reputable breeder to ensure Scottish Fold cats will live long, healthy lives.¹¹

Reputable breeders adhere to codes of ethics that prohibit sales to pet stores and outline their responsibilities to their cats and those who purchase them. Moreover, reputable breeders will provide health certifications to screen out genetic health issues that affect Scottish Fold cats. Look for breeders through The Cat Fanciers' Association or The International Cat Association.¹¹

Since the Scottish Fold is an unusual breed, it's rare to find them available for adoption through shelters or rescue groups—but that doesn't mean it's impossible. Search sites like Adopt a Pet and Petfinder, or ask breeders about Scottish Fold cats that might need a new home.¹¹

The last word

The Scottish Fold is a unique breed that has existed since the 1960s.² Their hallmark folded ears along with their outgoing, curious personalities have helped the breed gain a lot of fans,² but their health issues⁸ mean that it's essential to find a reputable breeder who has screened out genetic health problems.¹¹

Whether you purchase a Scottish Fold cat from a reputable breeder or adopt one through a shelter or rescue group, you'll be rewarded with a friendly, loving, laid-back companion who has a unique appearance that attracts attention.²

No matter the breed of your furry family member, Pets Best cat insurance can help you afford the best veterinary care available and reimburse you for eligible expenses. Get a quote to start protecting your cat today!

Sources/Citations

1. “Scottish Fold Breed," (8/2018), The International Cat Association, https://www.tica.org/breeds/browse-all-breeds?view=article&id=871:scottish-fold-breed&catid=79, accessed October 5, 2023.
2. “Scottish Fold Cat: Cute But Controversial Since 1961," (9/2023), Highland Titles, https://www.highlandtitles.com/blog/scottish-fold-cat/, accessed October 5, 2023.
3. “Scottish Fold," (2023), The Cat Fanciers' Association, https://cfa.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/scottish-fold-standard.pdf, accessed October 5, 2023.
4. "Scottish Fold," Purina, https://www.purina.co.uk/find-a-pet/cat-breeds/scottish-fold, accessed November 10, 2023.
5. “Scottish Fold," VCA Animal Hospitals, https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/cat-breeds/scottish-fold, accessed October 5, 2023.
6. “Feeding Your Cat," (6/2023), Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feeding-your-cat, accessed October 5, 2023.
7. “Why Are Regular Veterinary Visits Important?" American Animal Hospital Association, https://www.aaha.org/your-pet/pet-owner-education/ask-aaha/why-are-regular-veterinary-visits-important/, accessed October 5, 2023.
8. “Scottish Fold disease—osteochondrodysplasia," (9/2018), International Cat Care, https://icatcare.org/advice/scottish-fold-disease-osteochondrodysplasia/, accessed October 5, 2023.
9. “A Cat's Basic Needs," PAWS Chicago, https://www.pawschicago.org/news-resources/all-about-cats/kitty-basics/a-cats-basic-needs, accessed October 5, 2023.
10. “Socialization of dogs and cats," American Veterinary Medical Association, https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/socialization-dogs-and-cats, accessed October 5, 2023.
11. “Scottish Fold/Highland Fold," (9/2022), Vetstreet, https://www.vetstreet.com/cats/scottish-fold-highland-fold, accessed October 5, 2023.